Definition of Breast bone Definition of Breast bone Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Breast bone: Familiar name for the sternum, the long flat bone in the middle of the front of the chest. The sternum consists of three portions: the manubrium (the upper segment of the sternum, a flattened, roughly triangular bone), the corpus or body of the sternum, and the xiphoid process (the little tail of the sternum than points down). These three portions of the sternum arise as separate bones and may fuse partially or completely with one another. The sternum articulates (makes contact) with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and the clavicles (the collar bones) to form the middle portion of the anterior front wall of the thorax. Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2016 Breast bone | definition of Breast bone by Medical dictionary Breast bone | definition of Breast bone by Medical dictionary sternum [ster´num] a plate of bone forming the middle of the anterior wall of the thorax and articulating with the clavicles and the cartilages of the first seven ribs. It consists of three parts, the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.

From Dorland's, 2000. ster·na (ster'nŭm, -nī, -nă), [TA] A long flat bone, articulating with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, forming the middle part of the anterior wall of the thorax; it consists of three portions: the corpus or body, the manubrium, and the xiphoid process. [Mod. L. fr. G. sternon, the chest] sternum /ster·num/ (ster´num) [L.] a longitudinal unpaired plate of bone forming the middle of the anterior wall of the thorax, articulating above with the clavicles and along its sides with the cartilages of the first seven ribs. Its three parts are the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. sternum (stûr′nəm) n. pl. ster·nums or ster·na (-nə) 1. A long flat bone in most vertebrates that is situated along the ventral midline of the thorax and articulates with the ribs.

The manubrium of the sternum articulates with the clavicles in humans and certain other vertebrates. Also called breastbone. 2. The ventral portion of a body segment of an arthropod. sternum [stur′nəm] Etymology: Gk, sternon the elongated flattened bone forming the middle part of the thorax. It supports the clavicles; articulates directly with the first seven pairs of ribs; and comprises the manubrium, the gladiolus (body), and the xiphoid process. It is composed of highly vascular tissue covered by a thin layer of bone. Sternum ster·num , pl. sterna (stĕr'nŭm, -nă) [TA] A long, flat bone, articulating with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, which forms the middle part of the anterior wall of the thorax; it consists of three portions: the corpus or body, the manubrium, and the xiphoid process. [Mod. L. fr. G.

sternon, the chest] sternum (stĕr′nŭm) [L.] STERNUM The narrow, flat bone in the median line of the thorax in front. It consists of three portions: the manubrium, the body or gladiolus, and the ensiform or xiphoid process. See: illustration cleft sternum A congenital fissure of the sternum. sternum The breastbone. sternum the breastbone that occurs in the ventral region of the chest and to which, in flying birds where the bone is keel-shaped, are attached the pectoral muscles associated with flight. Anteriorly it is connected to the shoulder girdle, and the ventral ends of the ribs are attached along its length. Sternum Also referred to as the breast bone, this is the long flat bone in the middle of the chest. ster·num , pl. sterna (stĕr'nŭm, -nă) [TA] A long, flat bone, articulating with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, which forms the middle part of the anterior wall of the thorax. [Mod. L. fr. G.

sternon, the chest] sternum, n the elongated, flattened bone forming the middle portion of the thorax. It supports the clavicles and articulates directly with the first seven pairs of ribs. sternum the breastbone, a median segmented skeletal structure made up of several elements or sternebrae, often with a considerable portion remaining cartilaginous into adulthood. It articulates with the cartilages of the sternal ribs and clavicles when large. It has three parts, the manubrium, the body and the xiphoid process, and consists of vascular, spongy bone covered with a thin layer of compact bone. In ruminants it has a flat ventral surface, while in horses it bears a keel (carina). It is especially well developed, as a nonsegmented keeled bone, in flying birds. inherited short sternum in the North Country Cheviot breed; characterized by a heavy mortality in newborn lambs resulting from rupture of the liver; the latter thought to occur because of the exposed position of the liver as a result of the absence of the sternum.

Sternum - Anatomy Pictures and Information Home > Skeletal System > Bones of the Chest and Upper Back > Sternum Sternum The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a long, narrow flat bone that serves as the keystone of the rib cage and stabilizes the thoracic skeleton. Several muscles that move the arms, head, and neck have their origins on the sternum. It also protects several vital organs of the chest, such as the heart, aorta, vena cava, and thymus gland that are located just deep to the sternum. The sternum is located along the body’s midline in the anterior thoracic region just deep to the skin. It is a flat bone about six inches in length, around an inch wide, and only a fraction of an inch thick.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image 2D Interactive 3D Rotate & Zoom Change Anatomical System Change View Angle Full Sternum Description [Continued from above] . . .

The sternum develops as three distinct parts: the manubrium, the body of the sternum (sometimes called the gladiolus), and the xiphoid process. The shape of the sternum looks somewhat like a sword pointing downwards, with the manubrium forming the handle, the body forming the blade, and the xiphoid process forming the tip. In fact, the name manubrium means “handle,” gladiolus means “sword,” and xiphoid means “sword-shaped.” The manubrium is the widest and most superior region of the sternum. It forms joints with the clavicles and the first and second pairs of ribs through their costal cartilages. The clavicles meet the manubrium at the concave clavicular notches to form the sternoclavicular joint, the only point of skeletal attachment between the pectoral girdle of the shoulder and the axial skeleton of the thorax. Slight indentations on the lateral sides of the manubrium provide attachment points for the costal cartilages of the ribs. At its inferior end, the manubrium meets the body of the sternum at the joint with the costal cartilage of the second ribs.

Here it forms the sternal angle, a slight posterior bend in the sternum that can be felt through the skin and serves as an important anatomical landmark in the medical profession. Several important muscles attach via tendons to the manubrium, including the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, sternohyoid, and sternothyroid muscles. The body of the sternum is the longest region of the sternum and is roughly rectangular in shape. The costal cartilages of the second through tenth ribs connect to the body of the sternum to form the bulk of the rib cage. Just like in the manubrium, slight concave indentations in the lateral sides of the body of the sternum provide stronger attachment points for the costal cartilages to prevent rib separation. In addition, the powerful pectoralis major muscles that adduct and flex the humerus at the shoulder attach to the anterior surface of the body of the sternum and manubrium. The smallest and most inferior region of the sternum, the xiphoid process, begins life as a region of flexible hyaline cartilage attached to the end of the body of the sternum.

The xiphoid process slowly ossifies throughout childhood and adulthood until around age 40 when all of its cartilage is replaced by bone. Regardless of its degree of ossification, the xiphoid process serves as an important attachment point for the tendons of the diaphragm, rectus abdominis, and transverse abdominis muscles. Several undesired events can take place at the sternum. During open heart surgery, the sternum must be cut in half along its long axis to provide access to the heart. After surgery, the two halves of the sternum must be wired back together with stainless steel wire to prevent their separation. Any extreme stresses placed on the broken sternum after surgery, such as lifting heavy objects, can result in the wires cutting through the bony tissue and severely damaging the sternum. Another risk associated with the sternum is the fracturing of the xiphoid process during CPR, which can potentially lead to the xiphoid process breaking off and lodging into one of the delicate vital organs below it.

Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Chest Bones Diagram & Function | Body Maps Written and medically reviewed by the Healthline Editorial Team Co-developed by: In Depth: Bones The bones of the chest — namely the rib cage and spine — protect vital organs from injury, and also provide structural support for the body. The rib cage is one of the body’s best defenses against injury from impact. Flexible yet strong, the rib cage protects major vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver. Contrary to urban legend and some religious beliefs, women do not have more ribs than men. A typical rib cage has 24 ribs. Each rib extends from the spinal cord and wraps around the body in a semicircle. The ribs encircle vital organs, such as the lungs, and connect to the costal cartilage in the front of the body. This hard cartilage extends from the end of each rib and connects to the sternum. However, the bottom three ribs do not connect to the costal cartilage. They remain free, and are referred to as ‘floating ribs’. This allows humans to bend at the waist without the ribs interfering with the pelvis.

The sternum, or breastbone, is a long flat bone in the center of the chest. It protects the heart and also serves as the connection point for the costal cartilage. The clavicle, or collarbone, extends across the front of the shoulder from the sternum to the scapula, or shoulder blade. It is frequently fractured in automobile accidents and sports injuries. The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat triangular bone located in the back of the shoulder. It connects with the collarbone in the front of the body. It is also is connected to the shoulder joint, which brings together the shoulder blade and the humerus, or the large bone of the upper arm. The spine, or vertebral column, is a very important part of the human body. Running from the brain to the tailbone, the spine is a nerve center enclosed in a series of 24 connected bones called vertebrae. Each bone is cushioned with a disc made of cartilage that acts as a joint and ligament to keep the vertebrae connected. As women age, they typically lose bone density to osteoporosis, a progressive bone disease. This loss leaves them weak and susceptible to traumatic fractures.

Supplements and medications are typically given to help bones retain their mass. Osteoporosis primarily affects women over the age of 50 because women typically tend to lose about 1 percent of their bone mass after the age 35. Postmenopausal women are at a greater risk because the hormone estrogen, which declines after menopause, aids in bone density. Debugging Tools Causes of Breast Bone Pain (Sternum) | Healthhype.com Causes of Breast Bone Pain (Sternum) Tweet The breast bone, also known as the sternum, is a flat bone located in the middle of the thorax (chest) and serves two important functions in the body. Firstly, the breast bone protects the vital organs lying behind it, primarily the heart and airways, and secondly, it serves as a central point where the ribs and shoulder bones (clavicle) connect and articulate. The breast bone can be divided into three distinct parts : Manubrium Body Xiphoid process Breast bone pain is a common symptom that is experienced at frequent intervals in life and may be harmless in most cases. However, persistent pain or pain that is increasing in intensity or frequency, should be investigated by a medical doctor.

Breast bone pain is usually experienced and described as pain in the bone, under the breast bone or to the side of the bone. Pain may range from sharp and stabbing sensations to mild soreness or a bruised feeling. In some cases there are reports of a popping sternum which is a clicking or cracking noise from the breastbone joints that may be present along with pain, tenderness and swelling. Although referred to as the breast bone, the sternum does not lie under the breast but rather in between the breast, extending above (manubrium) and through the cleavage in women. Causes of Breast Bone Pain Heartburn or reflux is the most common cause of a burning pain along and under the breast bone as a result of esophagitis . Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) may also result in episodes of severe sharp pains in the chest and is often mistaken for a myocardial infarction (heart attack) during these episodes. Other types of esophagitis may also cause breastbone pain. Fractures of the sternum is rare but may occur in car accident injuries due to the impact with the steering wheel.

Joint pain at the points where the shoulder bone (1) and ribs (2) articulate with the breast bone can be due to inflammatory joint disorders like arthritis although this is uncommon. More commonly, joint pain may be due to strain during impact or when exercising, specifically weight lifting. Joint pain is usually felt on either side of the breast bone. Costochondritis and Tietze’s syndrome are two common causes of breastbone pain due to the inflammation of the costal cartilage and joint. Muscle pain, specifically of the pectoral muscles, may cause breast bone pain as they attach at this site. Muscle strain is the most common cause and results typically in a bruised or sore pain, often described as an ache. The intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs, may also cause breast bone pain and these muscles may get strained during constant deep and forced breathing, particularly in respiratory disorders like emphysema and asthma. Cardiac conditions like coronary artery disease, angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), myocarditis and pericarditis are serious causes of pain under the breast bone. Respiratory causes of breast bone pain include bronchitis , bronchiectasis and tracheitis .

Tuberculosis and pneumonia may also cause pain under the breast bone although these conditions usually affect the sides of the chest around the area of the lungs. Psychological conditions like panic and anxiety attacks may cause a perceived pain under the breast bone which may be related to an increased heart rate (palpitations), heartburn or psychogenic pain (perceived pain). Surgery of the organs within the thoracic (chest cavity) may require separation of the bones of the chest. Cardiothoracis or open heart surgery may be the cause of long term pain in or on the sides of the breast bone even after the wounds heal. Other conditions, which are not common causes of breast bone pain, may include acute pancreatitis, hiatal hernia, stomach ulcers and causes of excessive belching or upper middle abdominal pain . Cancer of the lungs, airways, lung abscess and sarcoidosis may also cause breast bone pain. Related Questions and Answers Pain in the Center of the Chest – Causes and Symptoms Please note that any information or feedback on this website is not intended to replace a consultation with a health care professional and will not constitute a medical diagnosis.

By using this website and the comment service you agree to abide by the comment terms and conditions as outlined on this page → nelly Hey doc, am a female of 27 yrs old, i recently had an ESR and FBC with results as follows- Hb(10.8g/100ml), PCV(37.4%), Mcv(81.4fi), McHc(28.8g/dl), platelet(304,000ui), WBC(4100ui), Neutrophil(45.6%), Lymphocyte(40.8%), Others(13.6%). i had this test done bcos for the past 7month now, i have been having a left sided chest pain on exhalation(had 2 x-rays, 3 ECGs and an ECHO, all came out Normal) also, i have been having this constant malaised feeling for about 4months and the whole of my left chest is twitching or undergoing some kind of painless spasms as well as my left eye for about 4 months now too and so decided to run these tests. Is the result normal?

People say the WBC is low, what could cause this? Dr. Chris Hi Jenny It depends on what is causing this pain. It could be related to the chest wall and could be muscular strain, a bruise or even costochondritis. Or it may be deeper lying – in your age group you should consider pleuritis (inflammation of the lining around the lungs) or even pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart). This can occur if you had a respiratory tract infection recently. YES, you should see a doctor to have it assessed. Dr. Chris Hi Jenny In your age group, chest wall problems are a more common cause of this type of pain. Although the pain is characteristic of pleuritis (inflammation of the lining around the lungs) or even pericarditis (lining around the heart), it is uncommon for your age unless you recently had an infection. However, you have not experienced any respiratory or related symptoms. You should still see your doctor to exclude these serious causes and take note of whether the pain occurs with certain movements, especially arm movements, and report this to your doctor. A chest x-ray may be necessary as a starting point. Dr.

Chris Hi Nelly We don’t respond to questions regarding the evaluation of lab tests results as many patients attempt to “self-diagnose” themselves without seeing a doctor. This can have dire consequences and become a medicolegal issue in the long run. You should not be taking advice from”people” and seek professional medical help. Discuss your blood tests with your doctor and given your symptoms, you should be consulting with a specialist physician at this point. janice I Barnes I spit up daily a thick dark gray, greemish phlegm ball everyday which is difficult to spit and often gets stuck in my throat, until I can get rid of it. It really comes up fast after I have eaten at the end of the day or if I really talk a lot for a lengthy time. It does interfere with my breathing, until I have released it. What is this? (I am 58 yrs. old, a jogger since 18 and very slim. Have IBS and colitis badly.) Karla Hi my name is karla n I’m 21 have 2 kids.

I have been gettin chest pains the last past 4 days on the left side right next to my breast it will come really sharp n than it will go away. Help pls!!! Kylie Dear Doctor, I am a 15 year old girl with pain in my sternum. It started earlier in the day and gradually grew to a moderate dull pain. It affects my sternum and upper spine. Light pressure on my sternum brings me to tears, breathing is really difficult and it hurts so does eating and drinking. Pain medication isn’t working and I don’t really know what I should do. HealthHype Hi Kylie. It is very concerning that then pain is so intense that it can be triggered with even light pressure. Furthermore the difficulty breathing, eating and drinking is also a worry. Kylie, this could be Tietze’s syndrome which is more often seen in young people, particularly female. But it could also be due to an injury which may have led to fractured rib and son. You need to speak to your parents ASAP and see a doctor. The intensity of the pain you describe and breathing/eating issues means that this cannot be left unattended.

We cannot comment on other treatment measures as the cause needs to diagnosed by a medical professional who can deal with you face-to-face. Kylie Dear Doctor, After I got your message I convinced my mother to take me to the doctor immediately. My doctor said that I was must likely having reflux and should take ranitidine and pain pills then come back in two weeks. I would like to know if reflux can cause such issues, because the pain keeps getting worse. HealthHype Hi Kylie. We would not like to second guess your doctor or any other health care professional as he/she has seen you in person and knows your case. Yes, reflux is a possible cause as the article mentions above. As we said previously, pain that brings you to tears and there is difficulty breathing is a concern. Rather follow your doctor’s advice and if you are feeling uncertain then seek a second opinion from another doctor. Kylie Dear Doctor, I listen to my doctors advice like you told me too. I didn’t work. Around 1:30 pm I could barely breath and what breaths a did get were short and painful. the pain in my chest instead of being the dull pain from yesterday turned into a sharp stabbing-like pain.

The area is much more tender now and hurts very bad. Pain killers aren’t doing anything to help to. HealthHype Hi Kylie. We are very limited in how much further we can advise you. This is an online platform that guides readers on possible solutions. We cannot make a diagnosis, prescribe a treatment or override the advice or judgement of the medical professional you are seeing. Commenting any further could open us up to liability. Therefore we strongly advise that if you are not experiencing any relief of symptoms and feel your doctor’s approach was inadequate then seek a second opinion. Do not delay if your symptoms are getting worse – go to the ER at your local hospital. Kaylie Hi, I am a 17 yr old female. I have this hard spot on my sternum right in between my breasts. This lump comes and goes . It is hard and usually painful. What could cause this? diala Hi, Im a 21 years old female. I’ve been experiencing pain in a bone in my chest in the right side but the bone isn’t in the middle its like between the upper middle and the right of my chest. when i touch it, it hurts and i can feel that its infected.

Other than that lately i’ve been experiencing a rash in the upper area of my chest, and around my mouth and redness around my nose, and i have a feeling that my hair isn’t as thick as it was! help me please HealthHype Hi Diala. It is difficult to say whether all these symptoms (chest pain, face rash and thinning hair) are related or not. However, it is a possibility that a systemic condition may be responsible and you have to see a doctor for this as soon as possible. Shingles is one possibility that needs to be considered here. However, there are a host of different conditions, particularly skin diseases, that could be causing these symptoms. It is possible that the chest pain has nothing to do with bone but is rather just a skin problem. It is advisable that you see a doctor ASAP. Brittany Streeter Hi, I’m 22 years old, and over the past 3 weeks I’ve been experiencing dull pain above my right breast and around my sternum area when swallowing food or hiccuping. Also, sometimes it just aches in general, but only when I’ve been outside in the cold and shivering.

A couple days before Christmas, I had a couple ski falls, which I didn’t think much of, but in both cases my arms were pulled pretty violently uphill while my legs were being pulled downhill (my skis didn’t pop off). A couple weeks after that (January 10), I went bouldering with my family, It was after the bouldering that I noticed the dull pain when swallowing food or hiccuping. Is it likely that I have some irritation/inflammation? HealthHype Hi Brittany. Yes, it is very likely that some soft tissue injury related to your falls could be causing these symptoms. Given your age you are not usually in the high risk group for some of the more serious conditions that may be attributed to these symptoms. This is not to say that the injuries that you have sustained are not serious. Hopefully you did see a doctor after your falls, had an x-ray and started anti-inflammatory drugs shortly thereafter to minimize the inflammation and discomfort. If not, then you should see your doctor ASAP. Brittany Streeter I did got to my doctor, had a chest x-ray (which was normal) and have been taking anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen). The frequency and intensity seems to be improving.

I still feel the discomfort on occasion. I’ve been pretty anxious about it, so now I’m hypersensitive to everything I feel when swallowing. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable around the throat area when swallowing, but I’m not sure if it’s simply because I’m paying attention to it. My husband says that swallowing isn’t necessarily comfortable, but unless he’s focused on the motion that he doesn’t feel any discomfort. What would you say swallowing is supposed to feel like? I also have neck pain (around the sternocleidomastoid) area particularly when in bed. I’m a stomach sleeper, I also have a forward head posture and rounded shoulders from that. I often get an aching feel from my neck area to my ears. Is it possible to feel some “deep throat” discomfort when swallowing if one has tight and sore sternocleidomastoids? Interestingly, I learned that those muscles also connect to the sternum…wonder if it’s related to my chest discomfort? Not sure how I should proceed. Not sure if I’m overreacting or I should be checked out further.

I’ve also read about hyoid bone syndrome… julie Hi, I have pain that starts at the start of my left breast all the way to end. The pain is under my breast when I seem to push in on this area. Had xray but found nothing with my ribs HealthHype Hi Julie. Hopefully you have consulted with a gynecologist as it may be a breast issue and not necessarily a bone problem. Pain on its own without any other symptom is difficult to interpret, especially on an online platform. You need to follow up with your doctor and then see a gynecologist. Hopefully you have been having your annual mammograms. Your doctor will be able to advise you further. Tammy Hi, I’m a 56 year old experiencing pain in my chest. I think it is in my 1st and 2nd ribs. It only hurts upon movement and if I press on it. Yesterday the pain was in my sternum. Also, upon waking this morning, I had back and flank pain that went away after I was up and about. Not sure if they are related. (Looked at a urine sample: clear and no weird odor.) Any insights?

Laugh Goblin HI Doctor, I am not sure if this forum is still active. But 3 days ago I was horse playing with my cousin and I hit my chest pretty hard a few times. Next day I noticed a swelling on my breast bone. Then the next day it felt bruised, and I could feel my heart beat. I noticed I felt myself gasping for a deeper breath, and pressure when breathing, and eating. I went to my DR for X-rays but the nurse called back the next day and said everything looks normal. I still feel discomfort. Both times I have visited this DR after being recommended by a friend he seemed a little impatient with me due to my hard of hearing. I found it difficult to ask him anything with out him losing his patients with me. He prescribed me some IBUPROFEN 800MG. Said it would help with pain and swelling. But I was still left with questions that I did not want to hassle him with. I would like to know… If I just maybe bruised my chest? Are the symptoms I am feeling normal? Will it heal on it’s own? Should I take the IBUPROFEN even if I am not in pain?.

I just feel discomfort in eating, and breathing and discomfort when I sleep, and sometimes a painless pinching feeling in the bruised area. HealthHype Hi Cora. We cannot answer the questions specific to your case because we are not overseeing your case. However, in general terms if the x-ray was clear then it is likely that this was soft tissue injury. It would explain most of the symptoms you are experiencing. Most injuries of this sort heal on its own over time but anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are usually prescribed to aid with reducing the inflammation. But this may not necessarily be the issue in your case. Seek a second opinion to be sure. Laugh Goblin Alice Hi Dr I am 27 years old and I always sleep on my stomach and one night I woke up with pain in my sternum. It has been 3 days the pain hasn’t gotten worse but it hasn’t significantly improved either. It hurts when i stretch or lean forward or backwards. Please let me know of any advice or hypotheses. Thanks Greta Hi, I’m an active 22 year old and have been experiencing some pain in my chest for a few days–mainly middle right side.

The pain isn’t unbearable, but it does get a bit worse with certain movements. When I am laying down, it gets hot on the site. I have been doing more push-ups than usual right before the pain started. But, my hubby and I were also wrestling around and he put his weight on my chest before the pain started as well. What could this be? Is it from the work out, or did my hubby accidentally mess something up? Greta I’m an active 22 year old and have been experiencing some pain in my chest for a few days–mainly middle right side. The pain isn’t unbearable, but it does get a bit worse with certain movements. When I am laying down, it gets hot on the site. I have been doing more push-ups than usual right before the pain started. But, my hubby and I were also wrestling around and he put his weight on my chest before the pain started as well. What could this be? Is it from the work out, or did my hubby accidentally mess something up? HealthHype Hi Alice. This is possibly just musculoskeletal where there is pressure being placed on the chest wall for long hours since you sleep on your abdomen.

There are other possibilities like acid reflux which will worsen by your sleeping position. Speak to your doctor about it if it hasn’t resolved as yet and see if it still occurs when you change sleeping position. It is difficult to say for sure through an online platform but rather be safe than sorry and have it investigated by a medical professional. Mandie Saunders I am a 35 year old woman and have had pain in my sternum (right in the middle of my chest) for a four or five days now it hurts if it gets pushed on and I sneezed a few min ago and felt like i was getting kicked from the inside out. Taylor HealthHype: I have a question that is of concern. Directly at the line in the middle of my chest where your cleavage would start is extremely tender to the touch. It feels almost as if it is bruised inside it. I am confused because it’s not necessarily my chest or my breast or what? I am starting to get worried about it. Any suggestions? Prem Dhungyel Hi Doctor, I am Prem Dhungyel from Bhutan. I have been suffering from chest pain for the last 14 years and it never gets well.

The main pain is felt in the left chest particularly the pain in bones while touching around the breast. It also gives difficulty in breathing and I get lots of pain while I am hungry. Please can you suggest me what actually it means. I did lots of test for heart attacks like CT scan, ECG, X-ray and all and Doctors found that the heart is in perfect condition. micki Hi, I am 40 years old. I have been sick with I guess it’s a cold, nasal drainage and clogging, had a sore throat for the first 2 days, I cough up a little phlegm here and there. Sometimes it’s kind of brown. But it doesn’t feel like it’s in my lungs, but I have pain in my sternum more so to the left but still in the middle. It hurts when I move around and sometimes if I breathe deeply. It feels more like the bone is bruised or something. So I was wondering is it because I’m sick and should I wait until I get over my cold and see if it goes away or should I see someone now. I’ve been sick for 6 days it started hurting the second day and is still bothersome. It’s more annoying than anything.

But I am getting concerned. I am feeling better but not over it yet. Brandi I’m 22 have 1 kid I woke up in the night and noticed that between my breast I have a swollen spot more on the left side close to my breast on the left?? Does anybody know what this could be Rochelle Dear doctor, my name is Rochelle I’m 22 years old and I’ve been experiencing moderate to severe cramps in my chest ever since I was a toddler (according to my mom) and so far no doctor that I went to has come to make a diagnosis. I also have a burning sensation in the middle of my chest and sometimes there’s a itching under my ribcage as well. The itching comes and goes, so does the cramping and sometimes the cramping gets so severe that I can hardly take a breathe. Please help cause I don’t know what else to do. Pain medication doesn’t work either because I’m allergic HealthHype HI Brandi. There are many possible causes but this could be a swollen lymph node. You should definitely have this checked up as soon as possible. Speak to your doctor. Further investigation may be necessary to conclusively identify the underlying cause.

It may not be anything serious but it is better to have it checked as early as possible. Melissa Orr I am a 48 yr old female and have a swelling or lump on the xiphoid process it is sore and tender to the touch. My doctor wants me to have a mammogram but why a mammogram if this soreness is on my sternum? Should I b concerned? I thought maybe an xrays or something would be the case not mammogram José Felicié doctor? Mi name is José and i am 18 years old. Today i was wrestling with a friend for fun on a trampoline. During this my friend landed on my chest with his shoulder. I started feeling a dull pain on my chest when i breath and move my left arm too much. It isnt unbearable. And when I touch the area i dont feel very sore. But when i apply presure it causes the dull pain. This pain happens at both my back and chest. I am hoping that it will go away tomorrow. I dont believe it was a fracture because it isnt that painfull. (Ive never experienced a broken bone before either.) Please. Is there anyway to treat this?

If the pain doesnt get better by tomorrow i wll go to a doctor. Jade Hi, I’m a 22 year old female. I don’t quite know if it’s anything serious but I’ve woken up this morning and the bones above my breasts along my chest are very tender to touch. Clothing and the slightest amount of pressure touching certain areas are very painful. I can’t recall injuring myself to the extent the pain is. I was wondering if the pain will subside or whether I need to go to my doctors to be checked over? HealthHype Hi Jade. In situations like these, with such severe tenderness, you should definitely consult with a doctor. Hopefully by now you have done so. Sudden onset of pain and tenderness is often associated with an injury and sometimes and infection but it could also be due to other conditions. The lack of any preceding injury does not mean that it may still not be a serious problem. Hopefully this is not the situation in your case. rose For the past year I have gone to the doctors for shoulder blade pain and also breast pain. When I breathe some part along my shoulder blade it pops. I would say the popping goes through my ribs 1-6, sometimes even my neck.

It is very painful or it is a highly unpleasant feeling. This happens throughout the whole day, everyday, more than 17 times of popping ,and I have no control of it. I had an X-ray done and the doctors said it was normal. Then they gave me therapy and they blamed it on my bad posture. 2 weeks later, there was no improvement on the popping even with the practice of “good posture”. I cannot sleep at night and it is driving me crazy. What should I do? Should I demand an MRI or a CT Scan? Sternum Pain ( Breast Bone Pain ) - Causes and Treatment Sternum or Breast Bone The organs in the thoracic cavity comprise of many critical organs of human body including the heart and lungs. This is the second largest cavity in the body and is surrounded (and protected) by the rib cage, breast bone (sternum) and the vertebral column. [1] The sternum, more commonly known as breastbone, is a long, flat bone which has an appearance that resembles the capital letter ‘T’ [2]. It is situated beneath the center of chest, and it measures around 17cm long in average.

It primarily functions as a protection to the organs in the thoracic cavity, and it also acts as a joining point for the shoulder bones and ribs [3]. Picture 1: Location of the sternum Image source: chw.org The sternum is subdivided into 3 parts [2]: Manubrium – the upper and broader part of breast bone wherein it articulates the upper two ribs and the collar bones that are attached Gladiolus or sternum body – the longest portion of the sternum Xiphoid process –the small pointed cartilaginous process at the inferior portion of the sternum Picture 2: Anatomy of the sternum Image source: courses.vcu.edu Sternum Pain Sternum pain is a sharp, usually unexpected pain in the chest area. The pain is sometimes associated with myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack because of the similar sharp pain felt by the sufferer. Though it is usually not a serious problem, a chronic pain needs to be referred to a medical practitioner. [4] Sternum pain is characterized by a radiating paineither in the inferior side or sides of the breast bone. Mild to moderate sharp and stabbing sensations can be felt.

[3] In certain cases, the pain is accompanied with tenderness and swelling accompanied by a cracking sound from the sternum joints. Such a condition is referred to as popping sternum. This sound, similar to popping knuckle, jaw or knees, generally originates from the joints connecting the ribs and the sternum. [3] Causes of Sternum Pain 1. Costochondritis A common cause of sternum pain is costochondritis, which is due to a minor injury to the rib cage.Costochondritis is the medical term forpaininthe costochondral cartilage, which is located in the area where the rib cage and sternum meets. Applying excessive force or bruising the chest area may lead to this disorder. In this condition, the chest area may feel tender and sore. 2. Tietze Syndrome Similar to costochondritis, Tietze syndrome also affects the costochondral cartilage. The difference is that in Tietze syndrome, the costochondral cartilage becomes inflamed. The cause of the inflammation is unknown, but it is usually linked to upper respiratory tract infections, severe cough, chest injury, or strenuous exercise. 3.

Joint damage Joint pains due to extreme physical activities like exercise and weight lifting can indicate a joint damage in the sternum and rib area. The pain felt can be persistent, and can affect the shoulder and collar bones if the cause of joint damage is arthritis. 4. Muscle Pain The pectoral muscles are attached to the breast bone and any muscle pain involving this group of muscles could lead to a sore or bruised pain in the sternum. Other muscles like the intercostal muscle positioned between the ribs also lead to pain in the sternum. This is usually caused by forced or deep breathing, as in the case of asthma, emphysema and other respiratory disorders. Picture 3: Muscles around the ribcage area Image source: teachmeanatomy.com 5. Fractures An accident due to any physical trauma like a car accident can lead to fractures in breast bone. A sternum facture is rare as it can happen only if the forceful blow is felt directly at the breast bone. These fractures can generate mild or severe sternum pain depending on the intensity of the trauma. Fractures involving the sternoclavicular joint and collarbone can also lead to sternum pain. 6.

Surgery Any surgery involving the organs in thoracic cavity like an open heart surgery can repeatedly cause breast bone pain even long after the wounds heals. The pain may disappear over time, but may return when triggered stressful activities or changes in weather. 7. Heartburn Heartburn or reflux caused by esophagitis leads to a burning pain in the breastbone. Another common cause of severe and burning pain in the sternum includes GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The burning sensation is usually confused with pain experienced during heart attacks. 8. Cardiac Disorders Some of the serious cardiac disorders causing pain under the breast include angina, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, pericarditis and myocarditis. 9. Respiratory Disorders Aside from asthma and emphysema, other respiratory diseases that can strain the intercostal musclesinclude bronchitis, tracheitis and bronchiectasis. Pneumonia and tuberculosis may also sternum pain in addition to affecting the area around the lungs and sides of chest. 10. Psychological Causes Various psychological states like anxiety or panic attacks can give rise to pain under the sternum. This can be due to boosted heart rate or palpitations, psychogenic pain or heartburn.

11. Other Conditions Other uncommon causes of sternum pain include acute pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, lung cancer, lung abscess, upper middle abdominal pain, sarcoidosis, breast cancer and bone cancer. [3, 4, 5, 6] Diagnosis of Sternum Pain Usually confused with heart problems, a pain in sternum can be a serious condition if ignored. Early diagnosis of breast bone pain and the appropriate treatment are recommended as it can even lead to severe illnesses like lymphoma and chondrosarcoma. Various imaging tests like X-ray, CT-scan and MRI can be used to observe any inflammation or injuries in the sternum and rib area. Reviewing the medical history of the patient for past injuries or surgeries is also helpful. [1] Treatment of Sternum Pain The treatment for breastbone pain depends on the duration of the pain. Generally, over-the-counter analgesics are given to alleviate acute pain. For chronic conditions, corticosteroids or NSAIDs are usually prescribed. [1] The treatment also depends on the origin or cause of pain. [4] If the sternum pain is caused by anxiety attacks, calming the patient is the first step. Drugs may or may not be needed.

When the pain is caused by heartburn or any digestive disorders, medications such as antacids are usually given. For costochondritis and Tietze syndrome, anti-inflammatory drugs are given to reduce the pain and swelling in the costochondral joint. A hot or cold compress can also reduce the inflammation. When there are fractures involved, proper medical attention is needed. Pain caused by heart disorders also needs immediate medical attention. Lastly, avoiding strenuous activities and proper rest can help alleviate sternum pain. Chest Wall Tumors - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center Chest Wall Tumors What are Chest Wall Tumors? The chest cavity—which houses the lungs, heart, and other vital body parts—is a bone-and-muscle cage framed by the sternum (breastplate), spine, and ribs. Like any other part of the body, the walls of the chest cavity are susceptible to tumors. A tumor is any type of abnormal growth of cells, whether malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Benign tumors of the chest wall are not uncommon. Cancerous tumors, on the other hand, are rare; they account for only 5% of all thoracic malignancies.

Depending on the type and characteristics of a chest wall tumor, it might present a serious problem or no problem at all. A malignant tumor, of course, is a serious problem. Even a benign tumor—based on its size, location, and rate of growth—can create difficulties. For example, a large benign tumor can press against a lung and interfere with proper breathing. The majority of benign tumors, however, show no symptoms, present no cause for alarm, and very often remain undetected. The Mechanics of Chest Wall Tumors Chest wall tumors, whether malignant or benign, are classified as primary or secondary (metastatic). Primary tumors originate in the bone or muscle of the chest wall. Secondary tumors originate elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the chest wall. Virtually all secondary tumors are malignant. Most chest wall tumors found in children are primary, while most found in adults are secondary. All of these tumors tend to be a lump on the chest wall surface or a growth that invades the bone or muscle. The tendency to develop benign tumors can run in families. There are cases of people who experience multiple or recurring benign tumors eventually developing a malignant tumor.

Survival rates from malignant tumors in the chest area vary, depending on the stage at which the tumor is identified and treated. Symptoms of Chest Wall Tumors People with malignant chest wall tumors might experience one or more of the following: Pain or soreness Impaired movement or chest expansion Protrusion as with a lump People with benign chest wall tumors might experience one or more of the following: Protrusion as with a lump Pain (with certain types) Muscle atrophy (with certain types) Causes of Chest Wall Tumors While diet and lifestyle choices, as well as hereditary factors, are thought to be behind certain tumors, there are no clear causes of tumors affecting the bones and muscles of the chest wall. Diagnosing Chest Wall Tumors The process usually begins with a complaint of pain or pressure from the patient. After conducting a general exam, the physician likely will order an x-ray. But x-rays tend to show only that there is an abnormality. They aren’t necessarily able to indicate whether the tumor is malignant or benign. A CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan can zero in on the location and size of the tumor, as well as give some information about what type it is.

Once this preliminary information is collected, steps will be taken to conduct a biopsy—that is, to remove and examine a sample of the tumor. The most common procedure is an aspiration biopsy, in which a needle is inserted into the tumor and cells are removed for examination. Sometimes, if it’s difficult or impossible to get at the tumor cells using a needle, the patient might undergo an open biopsy, a surgical procedure that can leave a small scar. It is from these cell samples that the tumor is fully diagnosed. Treating Chest Wall Tumors Treatments are as varied as the chest wall tumors they’re designed to address. In the case of malignant chest wall tumors, treatment options are similar to those for other forms of cancer. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgical removal might be recommended. Some benign tumors might have to be removed if they interfere with proper organ function, hinder movement, cause muscles to atrophy, or underlie unsightly exterior features. In cases where surgery is called for, prosthesis reconstruction or soft tissue replacement can be a recommended follow-up procedure to help restore normalcy to the chest’s structure, appearance, and function.

Rumors of Tumors Three out of every four chest wall tumors are nothing more than a painless mass of out-of-place cells. A large number of the rest won’t ever cause a problem. But the small percentage of chest wall tumors that are malignant can be devastating. If you experience any of the symptoms of chest wall tumors, see your doctor immediately.

Question: What is the medical name for the chest bone?
Answer: STERNUM